Opinion, Page 4 ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ In Westfield...

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Showcase Performers Kick Up their HeelsNews, Page 3

Leadership FairfaxHits a Home RunNews, Page 6

‘Don’t Stop Believin’ In Westfield Theater

News, Page 2

John Henry Stamper and Keeley Rogers have lead roles in Westfield’s upcoming musical, “Rock of Ages.”

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See ‘Rock of Ages’, Page 10

By Bonnie Hobbs

Audiences will journey back to the1980s in Westfield High’s rollick-ing, rock musical, “Rock of Ages.”And they’ll be singing the words

to the songs along the way.It’s the school’s Cappies entry, and the

show will burst upon the stage, Friday-Sat-urday, April 26-27 and May 3-4, at 7 p.m.,and Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. Tickets are$12 at the door or $10 online viawww.westfieldtheatre.com.

“We’ve got excellent singers and veryskilled dancers, and this show is just a goodtime – upbeat and colorful,” said DirectorRachel Harrington. “And just when youthink you’ve got it all figured out, some-thing new happens to keep the audienceengaged. We’re really excited about it.”

There are two, main storylines. One isabout Drew, a guitarist who works in TheBourbon Room, a bar in 1980s Los Ange-les. Lots of rock bands perform there, andDrew wants to be a rock star. His love in-terest is Sherrie, who moves from Kansas

to L.A. to be actress.The other plot involves a businessman

who wants to knock down the Sunset Strip,where the bar is, and replace it with otherbusinesses. And the owner, a protestor andeveryone in L.A. who loves rock music are

trying to save it.The show features a cast of 40, crew of

20 and a live, five-piece rock band. Scenestake place mainly on the Sunset Strip, inthe bar and in a dance venue called theVenus Club. “We want to bring people into

a rock-concert setting – from the set designto the costumes to the music,” saidHarrington. “We really want the audienceto sing along and take part in the show, notjust watch it.”

“The kids have done a really great job ofbringing the spirit of the show to life,” shecontinued. “None of them were alive in the’80s, but they’ve immersed themselves inthe ’80s culture and in their roles.”

HARRINGTON even brought in former“American Idol” singer ConstantineMaroulis to give her students a workshopon this show. That’s because he played Drewin the original production of “Rock of Ages”on Broadway.

Portraying Drew for Westfield is juniorJohn Henry Stamper. “Drew is an aspiringmusician living on L.A.’s Sunset Strip,” hesaid. “He’s thoughtful and kind of a sweet-heart, but naïve, at times. He has good in-tentions and badly wants to make it big.It’s great being a guy who loves rock, be-cause that’s me in real life. I love all themusic in the show, and I want to do justiceto these songs because my parents’ genera-tion knows all the words.”

Stamper’s favorite one is “Here I GoAgain,” sung by the whole cast while hesings the lead. “It’s so high-energy and it’s

High school presentspop musical,‘Rock of Ages.’

‘Don’t Stop Believin’ in Westfield Theater

Photo Courtesy of Natalie Lassiter

Rehearsing a scene from “Rock of Ages” are (from left) Lauren LeVine,Braeden Anderson, Alan Gutierrez-Urista, Faith Cho, John HenryStamper, Keeley Rogers, Harry Schlatter, Josh Moore and Colin Brown.

Chantilly Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Mahima Adhikari and Aarya Ghimireperform a Nepalese dance.

Nepalese dancer Laxmi Ghimire takesa bow.

Westfield High grad Sara Berrios playsukulele while singing a song she wrote.

Bowing after doing a Bolivian dance at theCentreville International Showcase are(front to back) Nadya Tapia, 9, andAlexandra Dagdelen, 7.

Centreville High senior Ricardo Avalossings in Spanish. Alvi Ramirez sings and plays harmonica

and guitar.

The 9th annual Centreville International Showcasewas Saturday, April 13.

Showcase Performers Kick Up their Heels

Singing while playing music are members of the KoreanCentral Senior Center’s Autoharp Ensemble.

Kofi Dennis (second from right) and Friends wow thecrowd with their drumming.

The Washington Area Senior Harmonica Group

The O’Neill-James School of Irish Dancing

Photos By Bonnie Hobbs/Centre View


Opinion

By Mary Supley

Fairfax for All

Fairfax County residents in deportationproceedings are not guaranteed ac-cess to free legal counsel. Accordingto Department of Justice data, such

legal representation dramatically increases thelikelihood that an individual will have a hear-ing, be released from detention, and be grantedrelief from deportation.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors isconsidering limited, temporary, one-time fund-ing for legal representation for county residentsin deportation proceedings. Without also en-acting a policy that ends the county’s volun-tary collaboration with ICE (U.S. Immigrationand Customs Enforcement), this proposal ismerely a band-aid that would offer assistanceto fewer than 1 percent of the people who needit. A band-aid on a wound that the Board ofSupervisors and Sheriff Stacey Kincaid deepenevery day as they put more people into the

arrest-to-deportation pipeline.Currently, more than 11,500 county residents

are in deportation proceedings. This is becauseFairfax County voluntarily collaborates withICE in the detention and deportation of its resi-dents and visitors. This collaboration harms mi-grants residing in Fairfax County and weak-ens our community. Every day that county lead-ership fails to act, more people live in fear andmore residents are detained. Data from Syra-cuse University’s TRAC program show thatFairfax County ranks 13th in the country forits compliance with voluntary detainer requestsissued by ICE (view data directly at bit.ly/de-tainer-compliance-rates).

While funding for legal representation wouldbe commendable, it’s not enough. By itself, thisproposal alone offers more comfort to the poli-ticians who want to appear to stand with ourimmigrant neighbors than it does to people vul-nerable to those politicians’ policies. Real andlasting change will only come by ending thecounty’s voluntary collaboration with ICE.

In late 2017, attorneys working in concertwith the Fairfax for All coalition drafted theOrdinance to Protect Equal Justice for All. Thiscountywide policy, which would end this rac-ist collaboration and create some equity for ourimmigrant neighbors, will:

1. Prohibit the county from being involvedin civil immigration enforcement;

2. Limit the collecting and sharing ofinformation with ICE;

3. Expand the list of documents that areacceptable as proof of identity; and

4. Establish permanent funding for legalrepresentation for county residents indeportation proceedings.

The complete ordinance can be read atfairfaxforall.org/pledge.

It is long past time for Board ChairmanSharon Bulova, the Board of Supervisors, Sher-iff Stacey Kincaid, and other officials to endthe county’s voluntary collaboration with ICE.A collaboration that furthers thecriminalization, incarceration, and deportationof valued Fairfax County families and commu-nity members.

Fairfax for All is a coalition of grassroots,civil rights, immigrant rights, and faith-basedorganizations dedicated to building sanctuaryin Fairfax County. Visit fairfaxforall.org.

Comprehensive change — not one-time funding— needed to support Fairfax County immigrantfamilies and community members.

Supporting Immigrant Families, Community

By Tarrence Taylor

Fairfax County resident and

employee

Frontline Fairfax County em-ployees work hard everyday to make our commu-

nity a better place for all people.We are nurses, educators, librar-

ians, first responders, parks staff,sanitation workers, engineers andmore. We are your friends, familyand neighbors. And we want whateveryone wants: the ability tomake a difference, financial secu-rity, and a better life for our kids.

Unfortunately, the proposedFairfax budget breaks the county’spromise to workers like me by notfunding the agreed-upon MarketRate Adjustment.

The Market Rate Adjustment issimilar to a cost-of-living adjust-ment (COLA), and it is intendedto help employees keep up withthe high cost of living in this area,as well as to keep up with ourneighboring counties. That’s whythe Board of Supervisors voted toadopt a pay plan which includes ayearly Market Rate Adjustment.

The agreed-upon formula saysthe MRA should be 2.51 percentthis year, but the proposed bud-get only offers 1 percent. That issimply not enough.

The Market Rate Adjustment isnot just a number to me. I’m thefather of seven wonderful chil-dren, and I’ve made a promise thatnothing will get in the way of themachieving a college education.That’s why I’ve worked hard myentire life.

However, if the county does notkeep its promise and fully fund theMarket Rate Adjustment, then Imay not be able to keep my prom-ise to my kids.

Not fully funding the MarketRate Adjustment also hurts thelocal families who use our servicesto get ahead, because it keeps usfrom recruiting and retaining thequality workforce we need.

We are losing good employeesevery day. Employees gain experi-ence and training here in Fairfax,and then leave for the surround-ing counties that pay more. Thatcosts us money and time, as weare forced to constantly train newemployees.

Fully funding the Market RateAdjustment will help keep the ex-perienced employees that we workhard to train, right here in FairfaxCounty, helping Fairfax Countyfamilies.

The Board of Supervisors has anopportunity to do something aboutthis. It is their job to make changes

Fully Fund the MRA toSupport Our Community

to the budget to ensure it meetsthe needs of our community.

Please join us in calling onChairman Sharon Bulova and theFairfax Board of Supervisors tofully fund the Market Rate Adjust-ment so that our community can

continue to be a wonderful placeto live, work and play.

Tarrence Taylor is a FairfaxCounty employee, resident and tax-payer, and a proud union memberof SEIU Virginia 512.

Notre Dame,Two Weeks AgoReston resident FranLovaas: This is how theiconic Notre Dame Cathe-dral looked from the mainplaza just two weeks ago.April 2, 2019.

Notre Dame,Two Weeks AgoReston resident FranLovaas: This is how theiconic Notre Dame Cathe-dral looked from the mainplaza just two weeks ago.April 2, 2019.

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From left, are CentrevilleImmigration Forum Presi-dent Alice Foltz with outgo-ing Centreville Labor Re-source Center ManagerSamantha Zaboli. Duringthe CIF’s annual CentrevilleInternational Showcase,Saturday night, April 13,Foltz presented Zaboli witha shawl and bag handmadein Guatemala. Many of theday laborers at the CLRCcome from Guatemala and,for the past two years,Zaboli has managed thatcenter. But she’s nowleaving that job to spendmore time with her hus-band and child, so thesewere gifts to show appre-ciation for all she’s done.

Fond Farewell toLabor Center Manager

Bonnie Hobbs/Centre View

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By Andrea Worker

The Connection

The Leadership Fairfax Breakfastwith the Board of Supervisors isalways a hot ticket, drawing afull house of elected officials,

community and business leaders and mem-bers of local law enforcement — many ofthem alumni of Leadership Fairfax programs— eager to reunite with other grads” meetand greet and network with others in theirspace. They are also there to watch their gov-ernment representatives opine on the stateof our local affairs all while letting downtheir professional hair just a bit.

The 28th edition of the breakfast, held atthe Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Churchon Friday, April 5, met all those expectations.The planners went for a baseball theme forthis year’s event and from the very first in-ning they produced a winner, starting withthe Press Box set up in the lobby, whereLeadership Fairfax class of 2017 alumniBrian Kincaid and Devan Strebig intervieweda number of the local star players like Su-pervisor Jeff McKay (Lee District) andFairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid.

Opening remarks were handled by Lead-ership Fairfax President & CEO Karen Cleve-land, Leadership Fairfax Board ChairmanHuey Battle, and Monica Schmude, Presi-dent of the Mid-Atlantic Region of Cigna,the event’s MVP sponsor.

Before the Board of Supervisors team tookthe field, however, award namesakeKatherine Hanley and Fairfax County Eco-nomic Development Authority national di-rector of marketing Rodney Lusk, a long-time local civic activist and 1998 LeadershipFairfax graduate, presented the 16th annualKatherine K. Hanley Public Service Award.

Lusk read out the names of the previouswinners before announcing — to thunder-ous applause — Board of Supervisors Chair-

man Sharon Bulova as the 2019 award re-cipient. Even among such illustrious com-pany, Lusk noted that Bulova was “a realstand-out.”

After a career of more than 30 years ofservice to the community, the last ten ofwhich saw her preside over the governingof Fairfax County as the Board Chair, Bulovahas decided to retire at the end of her term,and she will be much-missed, said Lusk.

Both Hanley and Lusk said they were hard-pressed to name only a few of Bulova’s ac-complishments and contributions. The factthat the county maintained its AAA Bondrating during her term, despite the GreatRecession, the federal sequestration and sev-

eral partial government shutdowns that se-verely impacted a government town likeNorthern Virginia, are testaments to Bulova’sleadership, said Lusk.

Her involvement with championing thedevelopment of the county’s Diversion Firstprogram (designed to decrease the use ofarrest and incarceration for low-level offend-ers with mental health issues), her role withVirginia Railway Express and Metro’s SilverLine, initiating the Faith Communities inAction and convening the Ad Hoc PolicePractices Review Commission, as well as herdedication to the One Fairfax equity initia-tive, make Bulova “the obvious choice forsuch recognition” for an award given tosomeone “who exemplifies service above selfand has had a positive effect on the County.”

With the award ceremony complete, it wastime to call “Play Ball!”

THE STARTING LINE-UP of the “Leader-ship Fairfax All Stars” was introduced byLeadership Fairfax COO Andy Sigle, using aspot-on impression of an announcer’s voiceas he called each district supervisor in turn.❖ Kathy “Rainmaker” Smith - Sully, “drafted”in 2016❖ Pat “Ace on Base” Herrity – Springfield,2008❖ John “Legal Eagle” Foust – Dranesville,2007❖ Cathy “The Hammer” Hudgins - HunterMill, 2000❖ Penny “The Consultant” Gross - Mason,1996❖ Linda “Big Slugger” Smyth - Providence,2003❖ Dan “Rail Splitter” Storck, - Mt. Vernon,2016❖ John “The Champion” Cook - Braddock,2009❖ Jeff “Batter Up” McKay - Lee, 2008❖ Sharon “The Chairman” Bulova - At-Large,2009

All the “players” ran in to take their posi-tions on the dais as baseball-style card pho-tos were flashed on screen with their pho-tos and their stats, including a few of theirmost significant achievements and areas ofinvolvement.

Moderator and head umpire Casey Veatch,principal with Veatch Commercial Real Es-tate and graduate of Leadership Fairfax classof 1999 got the game under way, giving theman easy pitch to start the proceedings byasking each supervisor to recount a sportsmemory.

Hilarious, poignant, and even a few dra-matic moments were shared, but the high-light of each story was the signing of a re-ally-soft softball by each before they tossedit into the crowd – to a varying degree ofsuccess. Each throw was judged by umpireMark Ingrao, President and CEO of theGreater Reston Chamber of Commerce.Ingrao called a few base hits, a foul ball ortwo, and declared that Supervisor Cookshould actually be called “outta here!” whenhis enthusiastic pitch hit the ballroom ceil-ing before bouncing back into the crowd.

In regards to the toss outs, Veatch assuredthe audience of two things: “It’s ok – Lead-ership Fairfax has insurance for today’sgame, and secondly, our umpire is legit,” hesaid, referencing Ingrao’s induction as anumpire in the Softball Hall of Fame.

“If we get into any tussles among the play-ers,” Veatch joked, “we’re still safe since theump is also a Wrestling Hall of Fame ref-eree!”

Another easy pitch to the players followed.“Name your favorite stadium snack,” askedVeatch.

McKay was quick to respond, “beer.”Storck followed up “then with 2 beers!”Herrity also voted for beer, while sausages,hot dogs, and peanuts also made the list.

After the sports stories were concludedand the softballs thrown without major in-

jury to either players or spectators, it wastime for the fastballs, curveballs, and slid-ers to finally be unleashed.

IT’S AN ELECTION YEAR in FairfaxCounty. All of the seats on the Board of Su-pervisors are up for grabs, but even if in-cumbents retain their positions, the line upof the Board is set to change dramatically.

In addition to Bulova’s retirement, theHunter Mill, Braddock and Providence dis-tricts will all see new faces of representa-tion as Cathy Hudgins, John Cook, and LindaSmyth respectively declined to seek re-elec-tion. Jeff McKay of the Braddock District isrunning to take the Board Chair position,meaning his district will also elect a newsupervisor.

“I think it’s something like 40 years sincewe held a primary for the Chairman’s seat,”said Veatch, but that is exactly what is aheadfor McKay and his Democratic challengerson June 11.

With all that change in the air, Veatchasked questions that not only focused on thecurrent state of affairs, but on how thatchange may effect the governance of FairfaxCounty going forward. He also remindedBulova, Cook, Hudgins, and Smyth that theirimpending retirements from the team meantthey were “free to speak your minds,” whilepointing out that Penny Gross (Mason)would become the longest-serving memberof the board and “the adult in the room.”

Some of their responses included:Gross (Mason) – “Yes, I will be the adult

supervision,” she laughed, but vowed to bethe mentor to the newbies that helped hertransition successfully when she joined theBoard. Gross also referenced a quote thatadvised that “one could go far alone, but togo far required going together. The unitedteam of the Board of Supervisors can moveus forward, base to base.”

Foust (Dranesville) also spoke to unity

and the need for collaboration among theconnected regions of Fairfax County andneighbors, in order to collaborativelyachieve success for all citizens.

Cook (Braddock) expressed concernabout the destructive impact of divisionswithin the country and even the county, andthe potential for further harm as the wealthgap continues to widen. When the Ameri-can Dream changes from “if I work hard Ican get there, to even if I work hard I can’tget there,” Cook says the resentment andthe division builds up. “Government doesn’tcreate, so much as it follows. It’s up to youand the community to work together withgovernment” to make community improve-ments and get things done.

Smith (Sully) talked about changes to thecounty’s zoning laws - big and small. In ad-dition to hearing cases and making changesto protect the integrity of the county’s stan-dards, Smith explained how some restric-tions on owning unusual pets like chinchil-las and hedgehogs had been eased, thanksto the advocacy of some younger membersof her constituency. “Yes, you can now owna hedgehog,” said Smith, “but please con-sider your pet choices carefully and learnhow to take care of your pets properly.”

Referencing a recent report on illnessesthat can be passed from hedgehog to hu-man, Smith added “and words I neverthought I would say in my professional life,please don’t kiss your hedgehog.”

Herrity (Springfield), who has long beena champion of the war against opioid addic-tions and deaths in the region, spoke of thesteps being made to improve the devastat-ing situation. “Opioid deaths were down by40 percent between 2017 – 2018,” he noted,but said there was still much work to be doneand better reporting needed. “The biggestneed is more resources for treatment,” headded. “There just aren’t enough treatmentcenters” to address the problems.

Smyth (Providence) talked about the bigachievements that can be made working to-gether. The Mosaic district project startedas a task force in 1990 comprising local resi-dents as well as government officials andpotential stakeholders and developers. Anarea that was plagued by deterioration andcrime, at the time of the task force’s incep-tion, the space was valued at $38 million.“Today, as of January 1, 2019, the MosaicDistrict is valued at $648 million. That’swhat cooperative revitalization can do,” shedeclared.

Hudgins (Hunter Mill) praised the ever-improving relationship between the countygovernment and the Fairfax County PublicSchools, seeing their more open and recep-tive communications and partnership as areal benefit to all county citizens, not justits young people. She is also proud of theadoption of the One Fairfax “lens by whichwe will look at every policy, everything wedo” to avoid actions that would create ineq-uitable situations. Hudgins also took theopportunity to strongly urge that solving theaffordable housing crisis be a top priorityboth now and going forward.

Storck (Mount Vernon) thanked his fel-low board members for their willingness toinvest in his district, which will see thecounty’s largest employer in Fort Belvoir atone end of the Richmond Highway andAmazon, as it is built, on the other end ofthe corridor. “All told, there will be about$1 billion invested in this area with transitoptions, road widening and more. The posi-tive effects are already being felt,” saidStorck. The “forward-thinking” of the boardwill mean continued growth, improvementand revitalization not only for the Mt. VernonDistrict, but the whole region. “That is realleadership.”

Bulova (Chair) and McKay (Lee) bothwere asked to address growth and develop-ment in the county.

“There is a strategy to how we grow andhow we manage our growth,” Bulova an-swered. Development is first reviewed tosupport and protect “our stable, residentialneighborhoods.”

Growth is targeted at areas that if leftalone “would continue to deteriorate.” Shecited areas along the Richmond Highwaycorridor that “are virtually the same as whenI arrived here as a young bride during theVietnam War. We need to bring improve-ments there.”

Bulova also noted that development takesinto consideration environmental needs, notonly seeking to avoid negative environmen-tal impacts, but looking to proactively im-prove currently less-than-ideal environmen-tal situations.

McKay followed up with success stories ofdevelopment in his own district. “The mallin the central Springfield District went fromthe least desirable asset, to the third mostvaluable such property in the county.” Thenew TSA building is also slated for the dis-trict.

“In all cases, development must considerenvironmental impacts and make improve-ments there, and to infrastructure.”

Even though the audience seemed willingto stay for extra innings, after the last roundof questions, Veatch had to “call the game,”declaring that all in attendance, players andspectators alike had emerged as winnersfrom this year’s Leadership Fairfax Break-fast with the Board, while reminding themall to vote in the elections on November 5.

To take a swing at improving your leader-ship skills and community impact, visitwww.leadershipfairfax.org. Programs aretailored for experienced leaders as well asthose just starting their careers. LeadershipFairfax also offers a Lifetime Leaders Pro-gram designed for retiring or newly retiredindividuals.

Breakfast with the Board of Supervisors honors community service.Leadership Fairfax Hits a Home Run

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Geary Photography

The 2019 recipient of the Katherine K. Hanley Award for Public Service isSharon Bulova (center), Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.The honor was presented to Bulova at the Leadership Fairfax Breakfastwith the Board by Rodney Lusk and award namesake Katherine Hanley.


A swing, but no miss for the supervisors who are retiring from the Board“line-up” at the end of the year. Cathy Hudgins (Hunter Mill), SharonBulova (Chair), Linda Smyth (Providence), and John Cook (Braddock)have all made significant contributions to the community and the resi-dents of Fairfax County and beyond in their time in office.


In keeping with the baseball theme, Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid— flanked by Leadership Fairfax graduates of the class of 2017 DevanStrebig and Brian Kincaid — gets interviewed in the “Press Box.”


The elected officials were made to show off their athletic skills by throw-ing out a softball – a really, really soft ball! – after answering the first setof questions posed by moderator Casey Veatch. Their efforts drew avariety of a calls from umpire Mark Ingrao.

Photo by Andrea Worker/The Connection

Leadership Fairfax president andCEO Karen Cleveland welcomes thespectators to the ballgame-themedBreakfast with the Board of Super-visors on April 5, at the FairviewPark Marriott.


By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Elizabeth and Kent Hillegass noticed thattheir 6th grade son’s grades began to dropwhile the number of times they receivednotices from the school regarding his mis-

behavior had increased. He was also having chal-lenges socially.

“He was really unhappy, the other kids made funof him, he didn’t have any friends and to top it offhis grades were awful,” said Elizabeth. “I would lieawake at night crying because I felt helpless.”

After a series of neuropsychological tests, theHillegasses learned that their son had ADHD. Thetesting psychologist advised them to see an educa-tion consultant who helped them determine that aquiet school environment with small class sizes wouldbest suit their son’s needs. The Hillegasses ultimatelydecided to send their son to a private school with astudent-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.

“We’ve always been supporters of public education,but the class sizes and noisy environment were toooverwhelming for him,” said Kent. “It was like hewas lost and unable to focus when he was at school.He couldn’t sit still and pay attention in classes andwas always getting into trouble, which made himfeel ostracized, like he was the bad kid in school.”

A parent’s decision to move a child from public toprivate school can be based on factors that run thegamut from smaller class sizes to tuition that cancost as much as $50,000 annually. Although it’s achoice that should not be taken lightly, there are signsthat it might be time to make the change if it’s pos-sible, say education consultants.

“I suggest to parents that they focus on the needsof their child, not on the prestige that they think aprivate school holds or the sticker on the back ofyour car that lets everyone know that your child at-tends a certain school,” said Kim Hardy who was theeducation consultant to the Hillegass family. “There’sa range of factors that parents should take into con-sideration.”

The first, advises Hardy, is whether their child is

happy and well adjusted. “If a child is bored or frus-trated at school, not just because their grades aren’tgood and they’ve given up, but there are also caseswhere students are making straight As without mucheffort and are bored because they aren’t being chal-lenged.”

When the accommodations that a school can offerdon’t meet the needs of one’s child, that’s anotherclue that a change is necessary, suggests Arlington-based education consultant Rita Fetters.

“Some children need to be in a classroom with alow student teacher ratio so that teachers have timeto redirect students who have trouble staying fo-cused,” she said. “Other students need a lot of exer-cise and outdoor activity to release energy so thatthey can focus better in class. Public schools maynot be able to offer that.”

The Heights in Potomac, Md. builds activity andexercise into each school day including outdoor re-cess and a challenging physical education programthat not only releases energy, but teaches importantlife skills.

Fetters says some parents make the change becausethey want specialized opportunities that a publicschool might not offer.

“If religious education is important to a family, thatis certainly one reason to leave a public school,” shesaid. “If a family wants their child to be involved inpublic service beyond what is required to graduate,they might choose a private school that has commu-nity service built in to the curriculum.”

One such school is is St. Stephen’s and St. AgnesSchool (SSSAS) in Alexandria, Va. “Our school of-fers religion classes and weekly chapels,” said MandiSapp of SSSAS. “We also have a ton of service-learn-ing opportunities that students ... do throughout theyear, including global service trips offered in Middleand Upper School. We have done a lot of work withALIVE (ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically) in Al-exandria.”

If a child is unhappy and asks repeatedly to changeschools, Fetters believes that is a reason to give seri-ous consideration to academic switch.

“At the end of the day, parents have to take a long,hard look at their child and their family, “ Fetterssaid. “They have to find the best school for their fam-ily, not the one that’s most prestigious or most popu-lar. Does what the school offers as a whole align withyour family’s values and your child’s needs. Whetherit’s public or private, that’s what a parent must de-termine.”

Signs that a public schoolisn’t meeting yourchild’s needs.

Making the Leap fromPublic to Private School

Opportunities forcommunity serviceand/or religiouseducation are some ofthe reasons thatparents might con-sider switching achild from public toprivate school.

Photo courtesy SSSAS


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from business

APRIL 8POSSESSION OF A STOLEN FIREARM/

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA: Lee Road/LeeJackson Memorial Highway, 04/05/19, 2:50p.m. Officers were in the area checking for acar that was involved in a domestic dispute.The car was located and stopped afterseveral traffic violations. Officers smelledmarijuana and searched the car, findingmarijuana along with a backpack thatcontained two semi-automatic guns and

By Andrea Worker

Lauren Bradshaw of Chantilly andMatthew Lawley of Herndon bothhad to win their respective con-tests sponsored by the Fairfax

Resolves Chapter of the Virginia Society ofthe Sons of the American Revolution(VASSAR) before moving on to the 2019annual state-wide competition. Havingearned that achievement, they faced en-trants from the 28 eligible Virginia SARchapters before they were declared the win-ners.

In February, Bradshaw and Lawley trav-elled to Richmond to compete, and werethen awarded medals, certificates and$1,000 in prizes each when they emergedvictorious among many worthy young com-petitors.

Bradshaw is a home-schooled 9th graderand was only 13 when she competed forthe Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical OrationAward, delivering from memory a six-minute discourse regarding the need tomaintain history as a critical component ofour educational curriculum.

While recognizing the importance ofSTEM-focused education, Bradshaw stillmakes a case for learning about our nation’sfounding and cautions against de-prioritiz-ing history studies. She sees them as neces-sary to a well-rounded education.

The confident young winner says she “al-ways liked public speaking,” finding it“easier to pass on a message because inwriting you can’t put in a personal tone,emphasis, or inflection on things like youcan in oratory.”

The judges of the contest which is opento students from the 9 – 12th grades, musthave agreed and appreciated her use ofthose elements in her speech.

Bradshaw doesn’t just let history remainin books or bring it out only for competi-tive purposes. To truly demonstrate her in-terest, she led an effort to restore an over-grown cemetery in her own neighborhoodthat contained the graves of RevolutionaryWar Virginians.

Herndon High School graduate and cur-rent Northern Virginia Community Collegefreshman Matthew Lawley also had to makeit through the local round of competitionbefore he won the nationally-sponsoredArthur M. and Berdena King Eagle Scouttop honors. The award is open to all EagleScouts interested in the American Revolu-tion who are registered in an active scout-ing unit and under the age of 19 during theyear of application.

SAR gives extra credit to applicants thathave secured the American Heritage, Lawor Genealogy merit badges. Among the im-pressive 101 merit badges that Lawley hasearned during his scouting career are in-cluded all three of these distinctions most-prized by the competition judges.

Lawley met the contest requirements pre-

three loaded magazines. One of the guns wasstolen from a recent burglary case. JohnBrian Thompson, 26, of Centreville, wascharged with possession with the intent todistribute marijuana, possession of stolenproperty and possession of a firearm by aconvicted felon. Ajaratu Saramba Mansaray,22, of Centreville, was charged withpossession of marijuana and driving on arevoked license. No photo available.

LARCENIES:14300 block of Chantilly Crossing Lane,

merchandise from business14300 block of Green Trails Boulevard, property

from school14900 block of Lady Madonna Court, tools and

cash from vehicle24400 block of Millstream Drive, gun from

residence

The following incidents were reported by theSully District Police Station.Crime Report

Local Youth Win Virginia Societyof the Sons of the AmericanRevolution Annual Awards

paring a four generation genealogy chartof his family and highlighting his leader-ship roles through scouting, through hischurch, and in his community. For the es-say portion of the competition, young Mr.Lawley crafted an essay that presented apersuasive argument on the need for amonument to John Adams in Washington,D.C. Adams is one of the few founding presi-dents to not be so memorialized.

“It would be amazing,” said Lawley, to beable to someday “join SAR and see a monu-ment built to John Adams in Washington.”

Lawley also expressed his gratitude forthe opportunity to compete, and for therecognition of scouting programs by SAR,and the Virginia and local chapters.

Both Bradshaw and Lawley are now eli-gible to move on to the national competi-tion, to be held this summer, where topawards take home up to $10,000.

Among their mission objectives, the Na-tional Society of the Sons of the AmericanRevolution, the VASSAR, and local chapterslike Fairfax Resolves exist to “inspire…thecommunity at large with a more profoundreverence for the principles of the govern-ment founded by our forefathers; to fostertrue patriotism; to maintain and extend theinstitutions of American freedom.”

Together they sponsor a range of competi-tive educational programs for youth from4th through 12th grades, with no require-ments for Revolutionary War ancestry inorder to compete.

For more information, see www.sar.org/edu-cation/youth-contests-and-award, www.virginia-sar.org and www.fairfaxresolvessar.org.

Photo Contributed

Ninth grader Lauren Bradshaw ofChantilly received the top honorsfor the 2019 Joseph S. RumbaughHistorical Oration contest, spon-sored by the Sons of the AmericanRevolution, Virginia state and localchapters, presented by TimDioquino, president of the FairfaxResolves Chapter of the SAR. Shewill now be eligible to compete forthe national top slot and a prize of$10,000 to the winner.


From Page 2

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a personal favorite of mine,” he said. “And it breaksthe fourth wall, too.”

He said the set design and costumes will also ap-peal to the audience. “We built an extension to thestage so we could get closer to the audience andimitate a rock concert,” explained Stamper. “We’llalso have lights suspended onstage to go with themusic, and the set will have moving parts. The cos-tumes include acid-washed jeans, leather jackets,jeans jackets and fancy shirts – a lot of throwbackaccessories and outfits.”

Junior Keeley Rogers plays Sherrie. “She’s a bub-bly and optimistic girl who has big dreams and iswilling to do whatever it takes to make them cometrue,” said Rogers. “She’s a daydreamer, but she’spersistent. She’s also outgoing and loving and re-ally falls hard for Drew. I usually play the antago-nist, so it’s fun being the quirky and lovable per-son.”

Rogers especially likes the song, “Don’t StopBelievin’,” because “It’s the final number of the show,everyone’s onstage and the whole audience will loveit because it’s such a well-known song.”

CALLING THE MUSICAL, itself, “super-fun,” shesaid it’ll be such an upbeat experience and so inter-active that the audience will feel like it’s part of thestory. “The adults will completely love it because ithas all the songs they know and love,” said Rogers.“And there’s a big, wow factor with lots of dancingand big, group numbers. It’s a spectacle with a cheesylove story.”

Portraying German businessman Hertz is seniorBraeden Anderson. “He’s come to L.A. to industrial-ize it and rid it of rock,” said Anderson. “He wantsto completely renovate the whole Sunset Strip. He’sstern, strict, cold and serious and doesn’t joke; he’salways thinking about work.”

Anderson is enjoying the challenge of performingwith a German accent. “Hertz is ultra-masculine and,previously, I’ve played softer roles,” he said. “Andplaying the antagonist is a new experience for meand different from my natural, optimistic personal-ity. This guy’s very cynical, so I get to stretch myselfas an actor.”

His favorite number is “Hit Me with Your BestShot,” sung by Hertz’s son. “It’s the first time his sonstands up to him,” said Anderson. “After that is mycharacter’s turning point, because he realizes he’smaking a mistake and losing his son.”

He said this show has lots of comedy and is a “juke-box musical. If you like rock, you’re going to enjoy

it. Adults can reminisce over the songs, and peoplemy age will like them, too. We grew up on rock androll because it’s still relevant. And everyone will comeaway having a favorite song.”

Junior Faith Cho plays Regina, the mayor’s new cityplanner who becomes a feminist and tries to saveher city from developer Hertz. “She’s headstrong,doesn’t take ‘No’ for an answer, does what she wantsand fights for what she thinks is right,” explainedCho. “It’s fun playing her because she’s really out thereand loud. She’s kind of a rebel and is very energeticand excited.”

Cho especially likes the song, “We’re Not GonnaTake It,” which she sings. “I get to dance with theensemble and all my friends in it,” she said. “I’m lead-ing a group of protestors trying to save L.A.”

Overall, she said, “Rock of Ages” is “everything youwant a musical to be. It’s full of energy, with some-thing special about the characters’ passion. And thereare so many different types of characters and suchgreat music that this show definitely has somethingfor everyone.”

Photo Courtesy of Natalie Lassiter

John Henry Stamper and Keeley Rogershave lead roles in Westfield’s upcomingmusical, “Rock of Ages.”

‘Rock of Ages’ at Westfield High


Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Thankfully I woke up today (duh!) – without the crushing, incapacitating fatigue that I woke up with two weeks ago, post-my-last-immuno-therapy infusion.

As I have written previously, I did not alert my oncologist to my bedridden status then or since as I have been trying not to worry that I had crossed some Rubicon-type line concerning my treatment and its side/straight-on effects. Appar-ently, and I will continue to believe (cling to this belief) that my inability to get out of bed two Sat-urdays ago was indeed an aberration rather than an actualization, of life in this new Kenny lane.

So here I sit at my desk writing away, fully dressed, teeth-brushed and clean-shaven, all by 8:15 am, pill-popping as I go.

-moned the strength to extricate myself from un-der the covers to get dressed and attempt to walk downstairs and restart my day (I had gotten up earlier to feed our cats breakfast and give Chino his insulin shot), “The clock on the wall” (clock radio, actually), to quote George Thorogood, said 3:53 p.m. (And other than bathroom breaks, that was all I could muster in the nine hours since I woke up at 7 a.m.)

No pain, just zero energy. It was almost as if I was paralyzed.

Writing back to the present, anticipating this morning, I’ve been a bit apprehensive the last few days – fearful that when I awoke today, I would

considering a new reality in my cancer existence. When my eyes popped open at 6:30 this

morning, I was grateful (as my father used to say: “Any day that I wake up is a good day”) and relieved that when I raised my right arm to roll back the covers, I did so with relative normalcy; and even more relieved when I was able to swing my legs out from underneath the covers and

getting my bearings. Before too long (maybe 30 seconds or so), and after a few deep breaths, I

any further adieu. Although I hadn’t taken any Rolaids: “Oh, what a relief it is!”

Dare I say then it will be a normal day, up and at ‘em with nary a hint of fatigue in the forecast.

Rain, however, is in the forecast and given the date on the calendar: April 13, 2019, I have to face an even greater challenge than the fatigue I experienced two weeks ago: clothes shopping.

well as some upgraded good-looking casual attire which my wife, Dina will approve and that Kenny’s budget will tolerate, as I’ll be attending a family wedding and rehearsal dinner beginning May 3, 2019.

One more concern: my weight. It’s not good. It’s the talking-scale-joke-will-one-of-you-please-get-off, bad. But I have no choice. Today’s the day (for availability reasons) or it will be “Good night, Irene.” Is there a tent sale going on anywhere?

You know, now that I think about it – and feel it, I may be feeling a little fatigue.

Maybe it’s not the best day to be trying on

the manual dexterity to be in and out of dressing rooms, up and down while in them and back and forth to the clothing racks with shoes, slacks, shirts and suits?

What if today is another day in my life – which seemingly began at birth, where I spent hours in the “Husky”/”Portly” departments at Jordon Marsh, Filene’s Basement and Kennedy’s

AGAIN? Granted, it wasn’t cancer then as it is now, but for an overweight young boy, it was

me for life as a serial-clothes-shopping-hater.Got to go. Wish me luck. I’ll need it.

As It IsHappeningLook Out for

Shady ScamsLearn about scams targeting average citi-

zens during a special event, Saturday, April27, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. It will be held atFairfax County Public Safety headquarters,12099 Government Center Pkwy. in FairOaks. Every day, hundreds of local residentslose their hard-earned money to a varietyof fraud schemes. In fact, every two sec-onds, a con artist steals someone’s identity.

So to strike back against scammers, AARPVirginia and Fairfax County Government’sSilver Shield Task Force are bringing to-gether top experts and law- enforcementofficials to present a free, informationalScam Jam. They’ll discuss scams aimed atVirginians, such as fake solicitor schemes,bogus investment deals, lottery scams,email fraud, a grandparent ruse and thelatest identity-theft shams. Registration isrequired; go to https://states.aarp.org/fairfaxscamjam/ or call 1-877-926-8300.

Learn aboutCyber Security

The Fair Oaks District Station’s CitizensAdvisory Committee (CAC) will meet Tues-day, April 30, at 7 p.m. The guest speakerwill be Capt. David Smith from the Cyberand Forensics division, and the meeting isopen to the public and all ages. It will beheld at the Providence Community Center,3001 Vaden Drive in Fairfax.

Roundups

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.

VOLUNTEERS WANTEDInterested in local Civil War or Railroad

History? Consider volunteering at the FairfaxStation Railroad Museum. The Museum offers avariety of volunteer opportunities in Museumevents, programs and administration. TheMuseum is also seeking an individual tocoordinate the scheduling of the volunteer staff.Training will be provided for all positions. [email protected] or call 703-945-7483 for opportunities. The Museum is locatedat 11200 Fairfax Station Road in Fairfax Station.It is open every Sunday, except holidays, from 1-4 p.m. Visit www.fairfax-station.org,www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

Volunteers Needed. The Shepherd’s Center ofWestern Fairfax County needs volunteers toprovide weekday rides to medical appointmentsfor residents 50 and older. Drivers can choosetheir rides and how often they want tovolunteer. Office volunteers are needed andwork from home or SCWFC office. The ShepherdCenter office is located at 14426 AlbemarlePoint Place, Suite 119, Chantilly. Contact TravisWhite at [email protected] or 703-246-5920.

MONDAY/APRIL 15Volunteer Reading Tutors. 10 a.m.-noon at

Sully District Government Center, 4900Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Assistance League ofNorthern Virginia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, willhold its next monthly meeting on April 15,2019. Individuals are invited to attend to learnmore about the organization’s programs. Thereare additional tutoring opportunities to improvereading skills for first graders through one onone tutoring or to help with food or otherprograms. Pre-meeting social starts at 9:30 a.m.Free. Visit www.alnv.org for more.

Bulletin Board


Entertainment

Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 26-28Rock of Ages: High School Edition.

Friday-Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2p.m. at Westfield High School inChantilly. As the sun sets on the LAstrip, Rock ‘n’ Roll comes alive insidethe doors of the Bourbon Room. Withimpending demolitions and thestruggles of young love, the people ofthe strip are still “looking for nothin’but a good time” in this electrifyingtale of Rock of Ages. The cast andcrew of Westfield Theatre’s Rock ofAges will be collecting donations forShelter House at each performance.Visit shelterhouse.org for a list ofneeded items. Tickets are $10 atwestfieldtheatre.com or $12 at thedoor.

SATURDAY/APRIL 27Springfest 2019. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at

Sully Historic Site, 3650 HistoricSully Way, Chantilly. Springfest is aonce a year, environmental festivalthat strives to educate NorthernVirginia residents, businesses andstudents on the benefits of helpingour planet. Springfest strives tocelebrate our planet and participatein the observance of Earth Day. [email protected] or visitSpringfestfairfax.org for more.

Fundraiser: VFW Post 8469. 1-5p.m. at Bowl America, 5615 GuineaRoad, Burke. VFW Post 8469 willhost a public bowling event to raisefunds to help support veterans’needs. The cost is $20 for threegames and shoes, plus a raffle ticketto win either a decorative Flags ofValor Flag, a guided day hike in theShenandoah, two tickets to AmyGrant at the Birchmere or a bowlingball. There will also be a CertifiedService Offices on site to help withVeteran benefit issues.

“Enchanted Forest” Joy Prom.6:30-8:30 p.m. at Centreville BaptistChurch, 15100 Lee Hwy, Centreville.Similar to Tim Tebow’s “Night toShine,” this is a free event for all whoregister and intended to be a night offun for the special needs communityas well as a time of respite forfamilies and caregivers. Local youthare volunteering to be coupled withparticipants as “buddies” throughoutthe night’s activities. Registration toparticipate is open to all ages 13 andup, but not limited to high schoolstudents. Visit www.cbcva.org/joyprom.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 27-28LEGO Model Train Show. Saturday,

10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. TheWashington D.C. Metropolitan AreaLEGO Train Club (WamaLTC)members will hold a two day LEGO-based train show. All trains, buildingsand scenery in the display are builtfrom LEGO blocks and shapes.Donations of unwanted LEGO piecesand sets are appreciated to helpsupport WamaLTC’s efforts to bringfun and education to all ages throughits activities.Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

SATURDAY/APRIL 27-FRIDAY/MAY 3“7 Divine Laws for Happiness &

Fulfillment.” Saturday-Sunday;4:30-7:30 p.m.; Monday-Friday, 6-9p.m. at Rajdhani Mandir, 4525Pleasant Valley Road, Chantilly.Swami Mukundananda is a renownedteacher of Spirituality, Yoga andMeditation. He is the founder of the

yogic system JKYog also known asYoga for Body, Mind and Soul. Free.Visit www.jkyog.org/events/7-divine-laws-happiness-fulfillment-chantilly-va or call 703-901-3731.

SUNDAY/APRIL 28Ballet: Carmen. 3-4:30 at Hylton

Performing Arts Center, 10960George Mason Circle, Manassas.Virginia National Ballet presents theballet Carmen and the premiere ofLife In The Fast Lane, a rock ballet tothe music of The Eagles. $40. Call703-753-5005 or visithylton.calendar.gmu.edu/virginia-national-ballet-carmen-and-life-in-the-fast-lane.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/MAY 3-4Rock of Ages: High School Edition.

7 p.m. at Westfield High School inChantilly. As the sun sets on the LAstrip, Rock ‘n’ Roll comes alive insidethe doors of the Bourbon Room. With

impending demolitions and thestruggles of young love, the people ofthe strip are still “looking for nothin’but a good time” in this electrifyingtale of Rock of Ages. The cast andcrew of Westfield Theatre’s Rock ofAges will be collecting donations forShelter House at each performance.Visit shelterhouse.org for a list ofneeded items. Tickets are $10 atwestfieldtheatre.com or $12 at thedoor.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 3-5Used Book Sale. Friday, 10 a.m.-6

p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;Sunday, 1-4 p.m. at ChantillyRegional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad, Chantilly. Gently used books,DVDs, CDs and audio books forchildren and adults. Sponsored byFriends of the Chantilly RegionalLibrary to benefit programs andrenovation projects at the library.Free admission. Call 703-502-3883or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/

library/events.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 4-5HO Gauge Model Train Show.

Noon-4 p.m. at The Fairfax StationRailroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. ThePotomac Module Group will haverunning HO gauge model trains. Ages16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 andunder, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

TUESDAYS STARTING MAY 7Program for Homeschoolers. 1-

2:30 p.m. At E.C. Lawrence Park,5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. Learna new skill with Homeschool AnimalVets. Students get hands-onexperience caring for animals in thevisitor center and park. They willexplore the lives of birds, reptiles,amphibians and mammals. Feed andrefresh tanks for exhibit animals andexplore the park to see what staffdoes to assist wildlife. The programmeets every Tuesday from 1 until2:30 p.m. It is appropriate foryoungsters ages 8 to 15. Call 703-631-0013 or visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

FRIDAY/MAY 17Clifton Homes Tour and Silent

Auction. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The CliftonCommunity Woman’s Club hosts the47th Annual Clifton Homes Tour andSilent Auction on Friday, May 17.Proceeds are distributed to localscholarships and charities. ThisClifton tradition offers guided toursof four homes and two historicchurches: Clifton Baptist Church(1910) and Clifton Primitive BaptistChurch (1871). The silent auction(free admission) is from 10 a.m.-5p.m. at the Clifton PresbyterianChurch. Tickets are $30 in advance,$33 online, and $35 the day of thetour; $10 to tour a single home. Tourtickets may be purchased in advanceat local shops, online atwww.cliftoncwc.org, or purchasedthe day of the tour at the CliftonPresbyterian Church, 12748 RichardsLane, Clifton.

SATURDAY/MAY 18Festival to Fight Cancer. 8-11 a.m.

at Centreville High School, 6001Union Mill Road, Clifton. The CVHSWildcats vs. Cancer Club hosts theirthird annual Festival to Fight Cancer.This year’s festival features a 1-milefun run/race and an inflatableobstacle course. The festival will alsoinclude a selfie station, vendors,raffle prize drawings, a “Minute toWin It” game station, food, andmore. Proceeds go to DCCandlelighters(www.dccandlelighters.org/), a non-profit organization supportingfamilies affected by pediatric cancer.Tickets are $20 at runsignup.com/Race/VA/Clifton/FestivaltoFightCancer19. Learn moreat wildcatsvscancer.wixsite.com/wildcatsvscancer.

Historic Marker Unveiling:Mystery of the Centreville Six.10 a.m. at McDonald’s Restaurant,5931 Fort Drive, Centreville.Speakers include the HonorableMichael Frey, Sully DistrictSupervisor at the time of discoveryand excavation, and a keynoteaddress by Kevin Ambrose, whodiscovered the first soldier.

SUNDAY/MAY 19Red Shoe 5k. 7:30 a.m. (start 9 a.m.)

at Bull Run Special Events Center,7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville.Proceeds support Ronald McDonaldHouse. Competitive and non-competitive runners and walkers are

welcome. All registrants will receivea t-shirt and Kid’s Fun Runparticipants will also receive asouvenir medal. Mixed gravel andpavement course. Strollers arewelcome, but course may not besuitable for the average stroller.Children should always be supervisedby parent or guardian. Dogs onleashes are welcome and free. $25-$40. Visit rmhcdc.org/red-shoe-5k/for more.

NTRAK Scale Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. The NorthernVirginia NTRAK members will holdan N gauge Model Train Display Ages16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 andunder, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

Wine, Whiskers and Wags. 1-5 p.m.at Paradise Springs Winery, 13219Yates Ford Road, Clifton. Annualfundraising event for Friends of theFairfax County Animal Shelter willfeature silent auction, adoptable petsand training demonstrations.Admission includes heavy horsd’oeuvres, beverages, a ticket for aglass of wine or a wine tasting, akeepsake wine glass, dogdemonstrations, participation in thesilent auction and access toexhibitors. Tickets are required andmay be purchased in advance for $45at www.ffcas.org; tickets may also bepurchased at the event for $55.

SATURDAY/JUNE 1Clifton Caboose Run. 6-9 p.m. in the

Town of Clifton, at the intersection ofClifton Road, Newman Road andMain Street. A 5K Run and 1-MileFun Run/Walk beginning in the turn-of-the-century town of Clifton. Apost-race party with refreshments,live music and an awards ceremonywill take place at the Red Barn nearClifton’s Main Street area. 5k run,$21; 1-mile fun run/walk, $15. Call703-968-0740 or visitwww.facebook.com/cliftonva.org.

THURSDAY/JUNE 6Westfield All Night Grad Party. 11

p.m.- 4 a.m. at Uptown Alley, 8300Sudley Road Suite Unit A-7,Manassas. Westfield High School willbe hosting an All Night Grad Party atUptown Alley. Registration forSeniors and donations is now open(register by May 31). $75, includesfood, drinks, and all activities. [email protected] or visitwww.ptsa.westfieldhs.org/parents/angp-homepage/.

ONGOINGFitness for 50+. Daytime hours,

Monday-Friday at Sully SeniorCenter, 14426 Albemarle Point Place,Chantilly. Jazzercise Lite, ZumbaGold, Hot Hula Fitness (dancingPolynesian style), Strength Training,Qi Gong, Tai Chi and more.Membership is $48 a year, andwaivers are available. [email protected] or call703-322-4475 for more.

History Volunteers Needed. FairfaxStation Railroad Museum needshistory buffs. The Museum offers avariety of volunteer opportunities inMuseum events, programs andadministration. [email protected] or call703-945-7483 to exploreopportunities. The Museum is locatedat 11200 Fairfax Station Road inFairfax Station. It is open everySunday, except holidays, from 1-4p.m. www.fairfax-station.org, 703-425-9225.

Art Guild of Clifton Exhibit. 10a.m.-8 p.m. at Clifton Wine Shop,7145 Main St., Clifton. Includes oilpaintings of European settings;doors, windows, and flower shops.Free. Call 703-409-0919 for more.

Photo courtesy of the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

Railroad MuseumThe Fairfax Station Railroad Museum holds events most Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Ages

16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. The Fairfax Station Railroad Mu-seum is located at 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

Photo by Elysabeth Muscat

Saaya Pikula and Emanuel Tavares, Principal Dancers ofVNB rehearse for Carmen.

Ballet PerformanceVirginia National Ballet presents the ballet Carmen and the premiere of Life In

The Fast Lane, a rock ballet to the music of The Eagles. Sunday, April 28, 3-4:30at Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas. $40. Call703-753-5005 or visit hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/virginia-national-ballet-carmen-and-life-in-the-fast-lane.

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